Spin Off: Where was Klaus Balkenhol

[freestyle2music]

It’s not a secret that I am a fan of Courtney and Mythilus. When you read my posts of many months back you can all read that CK and Mythilus were my favourites (and still are). But it was also obvious that already during the GP she already had some problems with the “getting short in the neck”, which was (toooo) extremely punished by some of the judges.

I really expected that Klaus had solved this problem before the GPS and the FTM, like i saw Johann Hinemann do this with Ferro. But in the GPS and FTM the problem got bigger and bigger. So where was Klaus ? Was he busy negotiating his contract with Russia, Spain or Sweden

[egontoast]

Don’t know but it is interesting that everyone makes a huge fuss about 'where was sjef?" but no one worries about the location of other SOs and trainers when other riders finish.

Who cares where the SO/trainer of a rider is when someone medals? The rider did well or didn’t do well .

Only people looking for something to WHINE about make a big issue about this.

[passagedreamer]

Think Klaus is moving on. But that was coming long ago.

But the coach can’t make the change happen over night. Courtney had a beautiful GP but she has ALWAYS had that horse too short in the neck.And I thought the judging was fair for her and they need to punish the short neck. At times, you can’t put a piece of paper between his neck and chin. But than when she has him up and out on the short sides and it looks beautiful. He was short in the neck in CA and he is a very strong horse ( and the horse had down time in Hong Kong due to shipping sickness ) and it doesn’t look like the easiest neck to ride. Once she is able to ride him up and out thru the whole test and all the movements, than she will get the scores !

[Dune]

Have NO idea about Klaus, not even any juicy rumors floating around, but I’m glad to see that you also appreciated this pair. Once they get that issue sorted out they are a pair to watch out for!:yes:

[Mardi]

yes, they are a beautiful pair. Very elegant.

[hsheffield]

I have heard that KB’s USEF contract expires this year and that it’s not expected that he’ll be rehired.

Has anyone else heard this?

Seems a shame…

[DownYonder]

Look for Robert Dover to be hired as the next US coach.

[XHalt]

[QUOTE=DownYonder;3468916]
Look for Robert Dover to be hired as the next US coach.[/QUOTE]

yup!

[ise]

Oh please no - say it ain’t so…

[slc2]

What’s the matter with Robert Dover, ise? :lol:

I too think Balkenhol will be moving on. Too bad.

I don’t really think there is much of a way to ride Mythilus except at least somewhat short in neck. I think it can get a little better, but I think it’s part of the territory.

[magdelene]

Herr Balkenhol signs new contracts with his past student Nadine Capellmann. Some say Bechtolsheimer too. I think he is staying in Germany now.

[passagedreamer]

slc2 : if she can ride him up and out beautifully on the short sides, she can one day do it throughout the test. Strenght issue in both rider and horse !!! Just a guess…

And No to Robert Dover, great guy but he is moving on and not doing much more with the Dressage world

And let’s just go back to having a Chef’ … Klaus got paid too much $$$ and got greedy with selling horses… Team Chef’ sounds good to me

[TeddyRocks]

please no

[QUOTE=ise@ssl;3469119]
Oh please no - say it ain’t so…[/QUOTE]

Where is the comparison? Why would you “down grade” from KB to RD??? HELP us…

[TeddyRocks]

Team Chef sounds great…

[QUOTE=passagedreamer;3470021]

And No to Robert Dover, great guy but he is moving on and not doing much more with the Dressage world

And let’s just go back to having a Chef’ … Klaus got paid too much $$$ and got greedy with selling horses… Team Chef’ sounds good to me[/QUOTE]

Oh please yes. This would be good…

[DownYonder]

[QUOTE=passagedreamer;3470021]
And No to Robert Dover, great guy but he is moving on and not doing much more with the Dressage world

And let’s just go back to having a Chef’ … Klaus got paid too much $$$ and got greedy with selling horses… Team Chef’ sounds good to me[/QUOTE]

He-he, I totally agree. On all points.

[canyonoak]

No, Team Chef is just not a good idea. It does not work.

There is no team when there is a Team Chef.

What works best in the US,at any rate, is having a Team Coach strong enough to gain the respect of the riders and organize a team effort.

IMHO

[FEIwannabe]

What is a Team Chef?

Does he/she make lunch for the riders :winkgrin:

No really it’s an honest question.

[Mardi]

The full title is “Chef d’Equipe”.
Which translates to Leader (or boss, or chief) of the Team.

It’s the title USET gives to the coach of each team.

[passagedreamer]

What I think we need is someone who has repsect within the FEI, who knows the ropes inside and out, who knows what the judges want in the ring, someone who will go to the FEI and support us ( if needed ).
Listen, we all ride and train up to the shows, once we get there, their is NOT MUCH a coach can do to change things. They are to help and guide you and make the most of what you have coming into the show.
My vote would be someone like Linda Zang or Alex Stiener ( that is IF they would want to do it )
And I feel that we or the US should just offer more “training programs or training sessions” whatever you want to call them.

[Xhltsalute]

Ooooo…my vote would be for Axel too.